Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-05-13

District Militia.
Grand Army Of the Republic.
civic Societies.
The march down Pennsylvania avenue
was greatly interfercd with, proper precau-
tions for clearing the route of vehicles not
having been taken. The result of this
neglect was that many halts had to be made
which detracted grently from what would
otherwise have been a very imposing pro-
cpSSlOn.
The procession halted ut the junction of
First street and Maryland avenue, when
the representatives of the societies and in
yited guests took their position on the
platform. Mrs. Garfield was unable to be
present, but the two sons of the eX-Presl-
dent were conspicuous among those upon
the platform.
On a grand stand near the statue seats
were arranged for l, 800 persons. A num-
Der Of these were occupied ut least an hour
before the procession arrived. The grand
stand was prOfusely draped with bunting,
and the speakers stand Ornamented with
graceful palms and potted plants, while
tattercd battle flag hung from its staff on
either corner. A pair of comfortable arm
chairs were placed in the center Of the
stand reserved for the President and Mrs.
Cleveland Places were also reserved for
the sculptor and other favored guests. The
large circle surrounding the monument
WIS kept clear by the police, while the side
walks were crowded with spectators. Just
before one o'clock the invited guests began
to arrive, James and Harry Garfield were
escorted 10 seats by Gen. MuSsey, while
Col Wilson performed a similar office
for the aged W. W. CorcOrIn.
The usual Thursday Cabinet meeting
at an early hour in order to en-
able the President and his advisers To at
tend the unveiling ceremonies. Secretary
Rayard and Attorney General Garland
were among the early arrivals, and were
seated to the left of Mrs. Cleveland. The
members OF the Supreme Court of the
United States came in body, excepting
Justices Wood and Harlan, and were
seated in the first row on the left OF the
speakers stand. The District Judiciary,
members of the Court OF Claims, and Dis
trict Commissioners were also present.
Representatives OF the Diplomatic Corps
sat on the right of the stand.
At 1O'clOck Generals Sherman, Sheridan
and ROsecranS and Governor Curtin ar
rived in carriages lust after the head of the
procession made its appearance. They were
soon followed by President Cleveland, eS-
corted by General Anderson aud Secretary
and Mrs. Fairchild, Colonel and Mrs. La
mont. Postmaster General Villas and Sccre-
tary Lamar. Mrs. Cleveland came, accom-
panied by Mrs. Folsom, Miss Bayard and
Miss Walsh, lust after one o'clock, and
took her seat beside the Presidents chair.
TX. Secretary Window and ex-Attorney
General MacVcigh, of President Gartield's
Cabinet, were among the guests present
At l:1O O'Clock Marshal Wilson, taking
his place on the stand, said: Attention,
ladies and gentlemen: The Society OF the
Army of the Cumberland, with these dis
tinguiShed guests, are assembled here to-
day for the purpose OF unveIling statue OF
that eminent statesman and soldier, James
\. Garfield. The services will he opened
with prayer by the Rev. DR.. GIlsey.'
In his PRAYER the clergyman referred in
glowing language to the merits OF the
lllustriOuS statesman to whom the statue
WAS erected The Marine Band, surround
ing the monument, struck up Hail to the
Chief" and amid the clappiug OF hands,
the American flag enveloping the statue
was dropped and
THE GREAT BRONZE IMAGE STOOD EXPOSED
to the rays of the midday sun. There WAS
short lull in the proceedings while bat
terry of artillery fired a national salute.
General Sheridan then introduced the ora
tor of the day, General !. Warren keitrr,
who on the part of the mOnmcnt commit
tee delivered IN address transferring the
statue to General Sheridan. At its CON
rluSion General Sheridan, in behalf OF the
society, transferred the monument to the
President iu the following words:
MIR. PRE~IDENT:-ThiS statue which
has been unveiled in your presence to-day,
was erected by the comrades of General
Garfield belonging to the army OF the
Cumberland, they recognized his merit rs
a soldier. and wished to pay some testi-
mOny to that merit and TO his worth rs
man. have the honor, Sir, on behalf of
the Society of the Army Of the Cumber-
land to ask You rs the representative OF
the American people TO accept the statue
from their hands rs it was given to me"
applause
The President, who arose as Gen Sheri-
dan began speaking, then began his ad-
dress, accepting the statue - gilt To the
nation.
PRESIDENT CLEvELAND'S ADDRESS.
Following is the addrers of President
Cleveland, accepting the statue on behalf
of the United States:
"FELLOw CITIZENS: In performance of
the duty assigned to me on this occasion,
hereby accept, on behalf OF the people of
the United States, this complete and beau
tiful statue.
amid the interchange of fraternal
greetings between the survivors of the
Army OF the Cumberland and their former
foes upon the battlefield, and while the
Lnion General and the peoples President
awaited burial. the common grief of these
magnanimOuS survivors and mourning cit
liens found expression in the determine
ton to erect this tribute to American